Red envelopes bring joy to zoo's primate residents

During the Chinese New Year's Eve celebration on Jan 28, zookeepers at the Locajoy Theme Park in Chongqing's Yongchuan district distributed food-filled red envelopes to its primates, including chimpanzees, squirrel monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs and black-capped capuchin monkeys.

Chinese New Year red envelopes are a traditional custom typically observed during Spring Festival. People put money in red envelopes as gifts for family, friends, elders and juniors as a way to convey blessings and good wishes. This tradition symbolizes good luck and prosperity and is a gesture of gratitude and respect.

Each primate species displayed unique behaviors during the event when opening the red envelopes. For instance, Yuhui, the internet-famous chimpanzee, eagerly grabbed the red envelope, tore it open and joyfully savored the red dates, walnuts and peanuts inside.

The park said this New Year's celebration brought joy to the animals and allowed visitors to experience a festive vibe and witness the animals' adorable antics. Additionally, the event aimed to promote wildlife conservation efforts.